Summary : Embark on an expedition visiting remote locations to observe the Amazon rainforest's unique wildlife and culture. Explore towering rainforests, vast flooded grasslands and glide along narrow streams deep into the Amazon jungle. Discover exotic wildlife such as three-toed sloths, parrots, toucans, and possibly pink dolphins and red howler monkeys. Enjoy the starry night sky relaxing on deck listening to the sounds of the nocturnal forest. This compact voyage endeavors to capture the spirit of the Amazon on two of its greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and the Amazon River. Walk in the forest, explore in launches, and visit local communities along the edges of these magnificent rivers.

PRICING

Embark in Manaus and cruise upstream on the Rio Negro. Enjoy a talk about Amazon environments from experienced naturalists. Explore one of the world's largest river island systems, Anavilhanas Archipelago. Sail along a rainforest channel amidst exotic vegetation. Weather permitting, take an excursion into Igapó, a gnarled and densely-flooded forest. Along the river bank you may see squirrel monkeys and hear howler monkeys echoing throughout the primitive rainforest. The Amazon has one of the greatest collections of birds in the world. Observe brightly colored toucans and parrots perched in the treetops.

Enjoy the rainforest sunset and hors d'oeuvres on the observation deck. Embark in launches searching for nocturnal creatures such as caiman and potoo birds with large mouths adapted to swallow huge Mariposa Moths.

Shortly after sunrise explore the Igapó, a black water flooded forest. Take a walk to discover a Terra Firme Amazon forest looking for monkeys and signs of jaguars. Weather permitting, enjoy a night excursion in the ship’s launches to hear a sunset chorus of birds, howler monkeys and frogs. Very often arboreal porcupines and sloths are seen scrambling high in the trees.

In the morning, scout a remote rainforest area by launch for unique Amazon wildlife. Weigh anchor and voyage downstream through the night to Xiborena Peninsula that divides the world’s two most storied rivers: the Rio Negro and the Amazon River. After your nocturnal exploration of the rainforest, perhaps try a bit of samba on the top deck of the vessel.

Rising early, travel to Lago Janauari Ecological Park, a dense forest flooded by the Amazon River's rich coffee colored water. Explore a labyrinth of small channels overhung with gargantuan trees and vines. Discover Encontra das Aguas where two of the world's greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and the Amazon converge. Dark and light waters run side by side for several miles without mixing.

At sunset slowly ascend the Rio Negro, passing by Porto de Manaus, one of the world's great ports. More than a thousand miles from the sea, Manaus is the major port for much of the entire Amazon. Observe boats of every imaginable shape and purpose serving this continent-sized forest. Sample Brazil's national drink, Caipirinha, while enjoying a farewell dinner.

Early this morning disembark the vessel at Hotel Tropical's riverside dock.

Notes

Please note that the day-to-day schedule must be considered approximate. The exact order of the days and specific features may be altered due to navigational considerations.

Kayaking: Excursions depend on water and weather conditions. Quietly paddle in the most remote wildernesses on earth. Choose a morning launch excursion or paddle with a skilled guide to observe the magnificent flora and fauna of the Amazon. Each excursion will be about two hours long and in still water. Guides will help paddlers, both novice and experienced, intimately and safely enjoy this extraordinary rainforest experience. Kayaks are the 'sit-on-top' kind and are not enclosed.

Optional City Tour:This three hour tour of Manaus is available at the end of the cruise. It includes the bustling Mercado Municipal of Manaus, the Teatro Amazonas - the famed opera house of the Amazon, and the historical Praça Dom Pedro II. Included are the services of a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and transportation to and from the Hotel Tropical. Please note that most museums are closed on Sundays and Holidays.

Activity Level:Good health is necessary. There are several daily excursions off the vessel and many guests choose to participate in some but not all of them. While guests can have a quite enjoyable trip by simply staying on board Tucano and participating in the launch excursions, participants in the walks in the forest must be able to comfortably walk for two or more hours at a time.

Above rates are per person, based on double occupancy, except the Blue Single category.

Single Rate: If a single traveler is willing to share with another same gender passenger, he or she will be charged the Green cabin rate, even if a roommate is not available. Single travelers that request a private cabin pay the Blue cabin rate. If a single traveler wishes to reserve a Yellow cabin, he or she must pay the full fare for two travelers at the Yellow cabin rate.

Child Rate: Kids 12 years and under save 50% off the cruise rate when sharing a room with an adult.

Tucano

Overview : Styled after a 19th-century riverboat, this 18-passenger ship contains over 70 large windows making for a bright, airy and comfortable voyage. The air-conditioned Salon affords splendid views of the rainforest. The top deck is open and has a large sun canopy -- a wonderful place to spot wildlife. Meals on the Tucano are delicious, wholesome and filling. All nine outside cabins have large windows and private bathrooms with a shower, toilet and sink.

Cabin Description : All nine outside cabins on Tucano are comfortable with large windows, elegant wood paneling and include air-conditioning with a thermostat, a reading lights, and a private bathroom with a hot water shower, toilet and sink.

Jane M.

Boston, MA Feb 2016

Heart of the Amazon

River Boat
Tucano

The trip was an extraordinary adventure. Certainly the various forms of excursions off the boat - particularly the early morning kayaking, swimming, and night trips in the boat's canoe - were memorable. I would recommend that visitors do the longer - seven day - trip if they have the time so that they can experience more fully the vastness and remoteness of the region.

The two guides were both very knowledgeable about the forest, its flora and fauna. Extraordinary ability to sight animals, particularly tiny birds on the highest limb. A charming cook and very attentive staff too. The boat was more intimate and the expeditions more varied than I had anticipated.

Stacy M.

San Diego, CA Dec 2013

Heart of the Amazon

River Boat
Tucano

The guides were great! Having a native guide made it even more enjoyable. It was everything that I hoped for and then some. I had always wanted to go to the Amazon and I'm so glad that I did!

Mark J.

Jul 2013

Amazon Odyssey

River Boat
Tucano

The trip fully met our expectations. Excellent balance between down time and exploration. The most interesting part of the trip was the canoe rides. The experience of the guides made all the difference with their amazing levels of knowledge about the rainforest, animals, botany and culture of the Amazon. Our accommodation and meals were excellent and the crew members gave 100% every step of the way.

Gloria K.

Jul 2013

Amazon Odyssey

River Boat
Tucano

A very interesting and educational trip with a small group size that was perfect. My favorite part was learning about the rainforest – it’s evolution, history, geography and challenges.

Melvin C.

Jul 2013

Heart of the Amazon

River Boat
Tucano

I really enjoyed the wildlife viewing. Overall the trip was very informative and interesting with pleasurable boat trips. The fishing was also a highlight.

Roxanne H.

Jul 2013

Heart of the Amazon

River Boat
Tucano

What a wonderful trip – more than I expected! Everything was just right – our walk in the forest, seeing birds and wildlife, plus our guides were very, very knowledgeable!! The crew members were very kind, helpful and always had a great attitude. The guides knew the flora and fauna, river system and medicinal plants. It helps that they are from the region and have first-hand experience. I can’t say enough about how good they know their job! I would like to return someday and do your Dry Season tour.

Richard and Joan C.

Auburn, MA Mar 2010

Heart of Amazonia

River Boat
Tucano

Ashton, from ExpeditionTrips.com, was very helpful. I would book again! I was inspired to take this trip because we had the desire to see the eco-system of the Amazon River. With that said, the trip met all of my expectations. The crew was excellent and the guides were especially good! The most memorable part of our trip was seeing the variety of birds and mammals.

Carol K.

Paauilo, HI Jul 2009

Heart of Amazonia

River Boat
Tucano

My experience with ExpeditionTrips has been very positive from the first conversation with Joy and subsequent communications with many of the people involved. I would definitely book a trip with you again and have been raving to friends about the many positive experiences. The trip exceeded my expectations!

The guides were wonderful at fostering a team atmosphere. Introducing themselves and the crew the first day was a good idea. The small number of people helped a lot to foster a group feeling but I especially liked the fact that the guides switched between the canoes but the people stayed the same eight each day. It’s always awkward the first time a group meets so their ideas were very effective and didn't seem forced. I think actually seeing the three-toed sloth in the wild was one of the memorable experiences for me but there were many so it’s difficult to single out just one.

*If the reservation is made within 30 days of departure, payment must be made by wire.

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. Inability to operate other side trips or schedule changes with side trips does not waive the refund policy. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Cancellation Penalties:61 days or more: Full refund except the $300 deposit 60-45 days: 50% of the total trip cost will be refunded44 days or less: No refund will be given

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.

Middle and Main Decks – Outside cabins with large windows, private bathrooms, and air conditioning. Cabins have upper and lower single berths (bunk beds).

Yellow

All Decks – Outside cabins with large windows, private bathrooms, and a/c. Cabins 3, 4, 5, and 6 have single beds that can be joined together to form a queen-size bed. Cabin 0 has a queen-size and single bed, and can accommodate three travelers.

Blue Single

Middle and Main Decks – Cabin 1 and 8 with a single twin bed, large window, private bathroom and a/c. On request these can be converted to Green cabins.